18 MAY 2018 • FOGHORN FOGHORNFOCUS: HUMAN RESOURCES I n a year of social and civil protests aimed at calling attention to a number of issues – and their sub- sequent national media attention – the push for wage equality may be one issue that small business owners, including passenger vessel operators, should pay attention to as the busy season ramps up in many areas. Employment Statistics The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic’s most recent employment situation (March 2018, released on April 6) remained at 4.1 percent for the sixth consecutive month, making it a “tight labor market,” reported USA Today. Vessel operators seeking to hire full- time, part-time or seasonal workers may find that wages are a significant factor in filling open positions. USA Today’s Paul Davidson wrote on April 6 in response to the U.S. Department of Labor’s report, “Sharper pay increases have been the biggest missing link in an otherwise robust labor market. In March, average hourly earnings increased 8 cents to $26.82, pushing the annual gain to 2.7% from 2.6%. Economists, and workers, are seeking bigger pay hikes as the low unemploy- ment rate forces employers to struggle to find qualified job candidates.” In other words, when it comes to looking for a job, pay matters. As the number of women working in the maritime sector overall, and the passenger vessel industry in particular, continues to grow, the issue of pay is a considerable factor for those looking for employment. And, equitable pay is fast becoming a major issue for women in the workforce. Pay Inequality K r i s t i n R o w e - F i n k b e i n e r, executive director and co-founder of MomsRising.org, a nonprofit or- ganization that supports policies to improve family economic security, Why It Pays to Have Wage Equality in the Workplace By Karen Rainbolt, FOGHORN Managing Editor gplink.com Put Your Fleet at Your Fingertips 1.800.777.0714 toll free www.merequipment.com 8-500kW Marine Generators // Pull harder in the harshest marine environments // More copper & premium corrosion resistance // Superior motor starting & low operating temps // Better fuel economy & longer engine life // Easy to service & worldwide dealer support // Proudly made in America